Meet Our Staff

The Heart of Messiah Christian Preschool

At Messiah Christian Preschool, we believe the people who welcome, teach, encourage, and care for our children each day are what make our preschool such a special place.

Our staff brings together years of experience, a love for children, and a shared commitment to creating a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel safe, loved, valued, and excited to learn.


Preschool Director             

Elise Hallett

Mrs. Hallett has been part of the Messiah Christian Preschool family for over ten years. She first joined MCP as a parent and volunteer, later became a teacher, and now proudly serves as Preschool Director.

Mrs. Hallett graduated from Eastern Illinois University, where she studied education and mathematics. Her experience as both a parent and educator has shaped her belief that a child's first school experience should build confidence, curiosity, independence, and, most importantly, a love of learning.

“I love being a part of MCP and watching our students learn through playing and exploring. It is such an honor when families choose us for their child's first school experience. We want every child who comes through our doors to know they are valued, encouraged, and loved.”


Preschool Teacher            

Marilyn Erbentraut 

This is Mrs. Erbentraut's third year at Messiah Christian Preschool. She has spent her career teaching both elementary and preschool-aged children and brings years of education and classroom experience to MCP.

Mrs. Erbentraut attended Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University, studying elementary and preschool education. Her warm teaching style encourages children to explore, ask questions, develop independence, and discover just how much fun learning can be.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Messiah Christian Preschool. I hope to instill a love of learning in each child each and every day!”


Preschool Teacher    

Sarah Ball

This is Ms. Sarah's second year working at Messiah Christian Preschool, but her connection to Messiah goes back much further! Sarah and her family have a long history with both Messiah Lutheran Church and Messiah Christian Preschool, and she is a proud MCP alumna herself.

Her love for children and passion for teaching shine through in the classroom. Having once been an MCP student herself makes it especially meaningful to have her helping a new generation of Messiah children learn, play, and grow.


Preschool Teacher        

Sue Johnson

We are excited to welcome Ms. Sue to Messiah Christian Preschool! Ms. Sue brings more than 20 years of experience in education to our 4K classroom, where she works alongside Mrs. Erbentraut.

Her kind, patient, and loving demeanor, combined with her years of experience, makes her a wonderful addition to our preschool family. Together, Ms. Sue and Mrs. Erbentraut create a classroom where children are encouraged to learn, explore, grow, and become confident young learners.


Emily Lewin

Preschool Teacher Assistant

We are excited to welcome Ms. Emily to the Messiah Christian Preschool family!

Ms. Emily's loving, passionate, and creative personality was evident from the moment we met her. She has a natural connection with children and brings enthusiasm, kindness, and creativity to our classrooms.

We know Ms. Emily will help make our students' first school experiences filled with learning, laughter, encouragement, and lots of fun.


Pastor Melody Brink           

Pastor Melody lives in Burlington, Wisconsin, and this is her ninth year leading worship at Messiah Lutheran Church and Messiah Christian Preschool.

One of the special parts of being a Christian preschool is having Pastor Melody spend time with our students during Worship Center. Through Bible stories, songs, prayer, and conversation, she helps our littlest learners begin to understand God's love in ways that are meaningful and age-appropriate.

“I especially love being able to lead Worship Center, get to know our preschool children and families, and talk with them about God's love.”


More Than a Teaching Team

Our staff works together with one goal: to give every child a wonderful first school experience.

We believe preschool should be filled with learning, exploring, creating, playing, friendships, laughter, and love. By partnering with our families, we help children develop the academic, social-emotional, physical, and independence skills they need for their next step while reminding them every day that they are a valued and loved child of God.

Learn. Grow. Play. Thrive.
Sharing a little of God's love along the way.


Board of Directors

Rita Geilfuss: President & Personnel 

Mary Schuermann: Vice President & Personnel

Karla Straukus: Secretary & Sunday School Teacher

Cheri Ghislain: MLC Member

Elise Hallett: Director

 

Sarah Pump Marinello: MLC Member 

Jennifer Stevens:  Family Rep

Melody Brink:  Pastor

 

Staff Photos taken by Magdelena’s Photography.